PFAS-Free Coatings for Food Packaging 2026
PFAS-Free Coatings Alternatives: The bans are law. The alternatives are ready. Twenty U.S. states have enacted restrictions on PFAS in food packaging — [a regulatory wave](/pfas-packaging-phase-out-banned-chemical-compounds/) that continues to accelerate. The EU has set a hard cutoff of August 12, 2026 for fluorochemicals in paper and board food contact materials. For print shop owners, packaging […]
Why Pressroom Air Evacuation Still Matters
OFFSET PRESSROOM AIR EVACUATION, WHY? Offset pressrooms need air evacuation. The control of humidity is critical in offset printing in order to optimize productivity. It is well known that dry air causes paper to lose moisture so that wrinkling, paper jams, and register issues are likely due to a pick-up in static electricity. A humidity […]
A Poly Coated (PE) Replacement: Aqueous Coating for Food Packaging
Aqueous Coating for Food Packaging Want an alternative to polyethylene (PE) coated paper and paperboard? Replacements for poly exist in food packaging. The answer is simple, FDA direct food compliant water-based (aqueous) coatings, supplied by Cork Industries are providing a proven alternative to PE coated paper and paperboard. Poly Replacement in Food Packaging can be […]
Corrugated Preprint: High-Graphics Packaging.
Corrugated Preprint Coatings Are Driving the Future of High-Graphics Packaging Corrugated preprint coatings protect and enhance high-graphics packaging. In today’s retail and e-commerce environment, brands depend on packaging to do far more than protect a product. A box must communicate, attract attention, and reinforce brand identity in a matter of seconds. This growing demand for […]
Aqueous Blister Coatings: The New Standard in Carded Packaging
Aqueous Blister Coatings: The New Standard in Carded Packaging Over the past decade, blister card packaging has undergone a major transformation. Once dominated by solvent-based coatings and off-line finishing operations, the market has rapidly shifted toward low-VOC aqueous blister coatings applied in-line on sheetfed offset presses. Improved polymer chemistry, evolving sustainability goals, and advances in […]
Heat Seal Blister Packaging
Heat Seal Blister, Fold-Over, and Skin Card Packaging Heat Seal Blister Packaging defines any of several types of pre-formed plastic carded packaging used to distribute small consumer products, such as foods, various goods, and pharmaceuticals. Importantly, blister packaging allows the consumer to see the product, reinforcing a purchasing decision. A Blister Pack comprises a basic […]
Recycled Paperboard Presents Challenges
Yes, Recycled Paperboard is Different Not all recycled paperboard is created equal—discover why identical press conditions can yield wildly different printing and coating results, and how Cork’s specialized formulations turn this unpredictable material into a consistent, high-gloss performer. Recycled Paperboard can provide challenges to printing and coating processes. Some time ago, we at Cork were […]
Exploring Material Properties of Friction, COF, Slip, and Slide Angles
Opposing, as they are, friction and slip are key to much of what functions on Earth. Without friction we would not be able to walk, we would slip, and slide with little control. Driving relies on tires to maintain a grip on pavement giving us vehicle control through friction. Brakes control our ability to stop […]
What Is It About Viscosity?
Understanding and Testing of Viscosity in Coatings Viscosity tells us how thick or thin a liquid is. Coating viscosity is the property of a fluid that causes it not to flow easily because of the resistance of its molecules. When we use coatings, we need to understand viscosity, because it is key to accurate application, […]
Storing and Handling Aqueous Coatings in Cold Temperatures
Shipping and storing aqueous coatings during the winter season presents unique challenges due to their high water content and vulnerability to freezing temperatures. Aqueous coatings, commonly used in the graphic arts industry, are formulated with various components to enhance performance, but the presence of water makes them susceptible to cold weather conditions. Proper handling, inspection, […]